Old Glory

[jamsmom]

I Am the Flag of the United States Of America

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle

of every war

for more then 200 years.


I was flown at Valley Forge,

Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,

the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest,

Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.


Guam, Okinawa, Korea and

KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the

streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and

trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those

Whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth

and stood watch over the uncharted

frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages

for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

 

[dandave]

Thank you, jamsmon! That was lovely. I have the flag from my grandfather's funeral (Korean Vet). I cherish it.

 

[jamsmom]

I was sent this via an e-mail with beautiful flags flying though it. If anyone would like me to forward to you, please let me know.

carol@hapenney.com

 

[Pam]

That is beautiful. They use this at the closing of our Boy Scout camp every year. It sends chills up my spine when I hear the Scout leader recite it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

A great flag indeed it is, Carol, a very honorable one. Thanks.

 

[glo]

I can never understand people who burn the flag in protest of wear it on their back end...it is just downright disrespectful. WHat a beautiful poem very touching.

 

[helenabear]

Thank you Carol... that was beautiful to read

 

[nativetxn]

I don't worship our flag but I do respect it. This was very nice, Carol. Thank you.